Related Experiment Videos
The skin barrier from a lipid perspective.
S Engström1, K Ekelund, J Engblom
1Physical and Inorganic Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Uppsala, Sweden. sven.engstrom@farmkemi.uu.se
Acta Dermato-Venereologica. Supplementum
|July 8, 2000
Summary
This study explores stratum corneum lipid behavior using Atomic Force Microscopy and theoretical models. Cholesterol influences lipid phase separation, while enhancers alter bilayer structures, impacting skin permeation.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- The Domain Mosaic Model describes stratum corneum lipid organization.
- Understanding lipid behavior is crucial for skin barrier function and drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the phase behavior of stratum corneum lipids.
- Develop a theoretical model for lipid bilayer response to water potential gradients.
- Assess the impact of skin penetration enhancers on lipid systems.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for two-dimensional lipid phase analysis.
- Theoretical modeling of oriented polar lipid bilayers.
- Evaluation of skin penetration enhancers like Azone and oleic acid.
Main Results:
- Stratum corneum lipids typically exhibit phase separation.
- Cholesterol reduces line tension between lipid phases.
- A theoretical model predicted inhomogeneous water swelling and potential phase transitions in lipid bilayers.
- Azone and oleic acid induced phase transformations in lipid bilayer systems.
Conclusions:
- Lipid phase behavior and interactions are key to skin barrier properties.
- Theoretical models and experimental techniques provide insights into skin permeation.
- Skin penetration enhancers significantly alter lipid organization, relevant for transdermal delivery.